The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned popular social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, widely known as Blessing CEO, before a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud case.
Blessing CEO was arraigned on Friday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and alleged stealing.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant allegedly obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretext of leasing a six-bedroom duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
During the court proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24 million to the petitioner and requested a short adjournment to allow both parties settle the outstanding balance.
The defence further stated that the complainant had indicated willingness to persuade the EFCC to discontinue the matter if the remaining balance was paid.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman maintained that the Federal Government remained the complainant in the case and urged the court to proceed with the arraignment.
Justice D.I. Dipeolu ruled that discussions between the defendant and the petitioner would not affect the court proceedings and directed that the defendant take her plea.
Blessing CEO pleaded “not guilty” to the charges after they were read in court.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
The defence, however, appealed for her to remain in EFCC custody, noting that the charges were only served on May 14, 2026, while efforts to perfect her bail application were ongoing.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
